What is laughing gas, and how is it used in the dental office?

Laughing gas is more commonly known as nitrous oxide in the dental office. It’s a great option that we have in our office to help patients relax and be more comfortable during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and flows through a small mask that rests on a patient’s nose. Nitrous oxide does not make people unconscious (although some people get so relaxed that they do sleep). Patients are able to hear and respond to others while they are on nitrous oxide. We tell our patients that they will still know what is going on. They just won’t care as much about it.

People are often aware that it is used for dental treatment on kids, but many don’t know that it is available for adults as well. One great benefit is that it leaves your system within a few minutes of being turned off. This means that patients are able to drive themselves home afterward and don’t require a driver.